Welcome to Arizona, the Grand Canyon State! Located in the southwestern United States, Arizona is a diverse and beautiful state that offers something for everyone. From stunning natural wonders and outdoor adventures to vibrant cities and rich cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do in Arizona.
In this travel blog, I’ll be sharing 5 things that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Arizona. I’ll cover a wide range of activities, from sightseeing and hiking to dining and shopping. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a group, or with kids, you’ll find something to love in Arizona.
Thing #1: Visit the Grand Canyon:
One of the top things to do in Arizona is to visit the Grand Canyon. Located in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States. It’s a massive canyon that was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Arizona.
There are several ways to experience the Grand Canyon, and the best way for you will depend on your interests and the amount of time you have. Here are a few options:
- Take a guided tour: If you want to learn more about the Grand Canyon and get the most out of your visit, consider taking a guided tour. There are several companies that offer guided tours of the Grand Canyon, and these tours can include everything from scenic drives to hiking and rafting.
- Hike the trails: If you’re an experienced hiker, you might want to consider hiking one of the trails at the Grand Canyon. There are trails for all skill levels, and you can choose a short hike or a multi-day backpacking trip.
- Take a scenic drive: If you don’t have much time or you’re not interested in hiking, you can still experience the Grand Canyon by taking a scenic drive. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is accessible by car, and there are several viewpoints along the way where you can stop and take in the views.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Thing #2: Explore Sedona:
Another thing to do in Arizona is to explore Sedona, a small city located in the northern part of the state. Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations and beautiful scenery, and it’s a great place to go hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing.
One of the top things to do in Sedona is to take a scenic drive through the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This scenic drive takes you through the heart of Sedona.
Thing #3: Visit the Hoover Dam:
Located just outside of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is another must-see attraction in Arizona. Built in the 1930s, the Hoover Dam is a massive concrete dam that spans the Colorado River and creates Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States.
There are several ways to experience the Hoover Dam, and the best way for you will depend on your interests and the amount of time you have. Here are a few options:
- Take a guided tour: If you want to learn more about the history and engineering of the Hoover Dam, consider taking a guided tour. There are several companies that offer guided tours of the dam, and these tours can include everything from a walk through the dam itself to a boat tour of Lake Mead.
- Take a scenic drive: If you don’t have much time or you’re not interested in a guided tour, you can still experience the Hoover Dam by taking a scenic drive. There are several viewpoints along the dam where you can stop and take in the views.
- Go hiking: If you’re an experienced hiker, you might want to consider exploring the trails in the area around the Hoover Dam. There are trails for all skill levels, and you can choose a short hike or a longer backpacking trip.
Hoover Dam
Thing #4: Go shopping in Phoenix:
Arizona’s capital city, Phoenix, is a great place to go shopping. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, unique gifts, or high-end fashion, you’ll find it in Phoenix. Here are a few of the top places to go shopping in Phoenix:
- Biltmore Fashion Park: Located in the upscale Biltmore neighborhood, the Biltmore Fashion Park is a shopping center that features high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
- Scottsdale Fashion Square: Another upscale shopping destination in Phoenix is the Scottsdale Fashion Square. This shopping center features a mix of high-end retailers and more affordable stores, and it’s a great place to find a wide range of goods.
- Old Town Scottsdale: If you’re looking for more unique and local shopping options, check out Old Town Scottsdale. This historic area is home to a number of independent shops and galleries, and it’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Thing #5: Dine at one of the best Arizona restaurants:
Arizona is home to a number of top restaurants, and it’s a great place to experience new and innovative cuisine. Here are a few of the top restaurants in Arizona:
- Pizzeria Bianco: Located in Phoenix, Pizzeria Bianco is a popular pizzeria that’s known for its wood-fired pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Fox Restaurant Concepts: This Phoenix-based restaurant group has several popular restaurants in Arizona, including True Food Kitchen, Flower Child, and The Henry. Each restaurant has its own unique menu, but all of them focus on healthy and sustainable cuisine.
- The Mission: Located in Phoenix, The Mission is a popular Mexican restaurant that’s known for its modern and innovative takes on traditional dishes.
Pizzeria Bianco Phoenix
Conclusion:
Arizona is a diverse and beautiful state that offers something for everyone. From stunning natural wonders and outdoor adventures to vibrant cities and rich cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do in Arizona. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a group, or with kids, you’ll find something to love in the Grand Canyon State. I hope this blog has helped!
